Unfortunately, theft is a problem even here, as I recently learned. My wife called from a holiday cookie swap; everyone was abuzz, with all chatter centered on the big crime spree taking the town by storm.

Someone was going around breaking off and stealing boxwood branches from people's yards, allegedly for making Christmas wreaths. Come on people; have you no shame? Don't you know that breaking the branches is very hard on the plants? It invites pests and diseases; you should be using pruners!

These thieves clearly appreciated the beauty and fragrance that are characteristic of boxwoods. But I wonder if our holiday horticulturists were aware of other classic greenery that is just as beautiful and even more available.

Here are a few common plants and trees used to adorn our homes during the holidays:

A classic plant for holiday decor, the finely textured foliage ranges from light green to purple to bright red. Berries can range from white to yellow to red. The foliage and berry combinations are the perfect complement to the season.

Nandina are evergreen to semi-evergreen. These are low-maintenance plants that are great to have in your garden year-round.

, these are fabulous evergreen trees best known for their big, glossy, deep-green foliage and large, fragrant spring flowers. As a decorative accent, they are so versatile there's no limit to what can be done with their tough but attractive leaves.

The classic evergreens. Think Douglas, Fraser and balsam. These trees say Christmas with their characteristic shape and fragrance. Douglas firs are especially nice because they hold their needles so long. Hemlocks and other conifers with cones attached are also perfect for Christmas adornment.

Their porcelainlike berries are so beautiful, it's hard to believe they're real.
... read the whole article